Marrakesh to Essaouira: The Perfect Coastal Drive

The road from Marrakesh to Essaouira is one of Morocco's most enjoyable drives. Here's how to make the most of it.

The Route

Take the N8 west from Marrakesh. The road climbs gently through olive and argan groves before descending toward the coast. Total distance: 190 km. Total time: 2.5 hours without stops, but you'll want to stop.

Must-Stop: The Argan Oil Cooperatives

Around the village of Tidzi, women's cooperatives produce argan oil using traditional stone-grinding methods. Pull over at any signed cooperative — you'll see the process from raw nut to finished oil, and can buy directly. The culinary oil (roasted) has a nutty, intense flavour that's nothing like the cosmetic version.

The Famous Goat Trees

Yes, they're real. Goats climb argan trees to eat the fruit, perching improbably in the branches. The best spot is roughly 30 km before Essaouira. Pull over safely — but note that some "goat tree" setups along the road are staged for tourist photos.

Arriving in Essaouira

Park outside the medina walls — there's a large, guarded car park near Bab Doukkala. The medina is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot.

Don't miss:

The Return

Consider taking the newer A7 motorway back to Marrakesh — it's faster (under 2 hours) and beautifully smooth. Or extend the trip south to Agadir and return via the Souss Valley.

Best Car for This Drive

We'd recommend the Mercedes-AMG GT or the Porsche 911 Carrera. Both are comfortable enough for a full day on the road with enough performance to make the twisty sections fun.